Having made it through month 1 in Cambodia and month 1 debrief as a squad leader of Gap I, there is so much that I could say to wrap up the time.
I could tell you about the time I was riding a bike and experienced a fall into some mud in slow motion.
I could tell you about the time that the team I was staying with noticed a duck wandering around the yard one morning, and when we asked about the mysterious meat we were served for dinner, our hosts reluctantly, but with humor, admitted it was duck.
I could tell you about all of the amazing fruits we tried; in case you were wondering, mangosteen was the best.
I could tell you about the Tela Mart gas station I frequented for internet to finish some of my squad leader duties, and how I was able to FaceTime someone on a chicken bus at one point.
I could tell you about how uniquely the Father speaks to each of us and how He showed up in such personal ways with the women of the team I stayed with for the month.
I could tell you about the incredible families we lived with for the few weeks we were in Cambodia, and how it’s so evident that they represent men of peace where they live.
I could tell you about the car ride I had with 5 teenage monks shoved in the back seat, an older monk pressed against the driver’s door, the driver who was sharing his seat, and me, drowning in space in the passenger seat because monks are not supposed to have physical contact with women in any capacity.
I could tell you about the session on vulnerability that we, as the squad leaders, led during debrief and how the Lord showed up in incredible ways, even while trying something new.
I could tell you about the man who heard us worshipping at the hostel while walking on the street one night and came to investigate because he was a new believer.
I could tell you about the one-on-ones I had with many of the squad during debrief that reminded me of the Lord’s goodness, even in the midst of challenging times.
I could tell you about the Lord explaining to me before training camp that He would pursue His brides this year, and how I’ve already been able to see that happening on the squad.
It’s true. I listed 9 stories, one for each of the months I’ll be gone. I could tell you all of those things, but I don’t want to miss it. Squad leading is proving to be so good and so challenging, but in the midst of all of it, I don’t want to miss out on the Father’s heart. I don’t want to get too focused on what He’s asking me to do and completely miss where He wants me to be: in His presence, covered in His love.
This season of squad leading has started out so well, and I’m choosing to put myself in my Father’s lap. Everything else will flow from that place, and I don’t want to miss it.
